Children protest abuse
Over the past several weeks the news has been filled with stories of sexual assaults on children. Today the children raised their voices in protest. The massive march was the culmination of a week of classroom activities designed to address the issue of child abuse. If the National Committee for Families and Children had any concerns that the children were simply out there because the teachers asked them to be, they don’t have anything to worry about. From what News Five observed this morning, the little people on the streets do understand the big threats to their safety.
The children shouting out the theme chosen for the week by the Santa Elena Primary School made their way to the City Centre from all over the city. News Five asked them what they had learned this week.
Kareem Rogers
“We learn a lot of stuff today about AIDS and how you could prevent it. Child abuse is when you abuse a child for no particular reason.”
Nikka Gomez
“Like if your father comes in drunk, he hits you for no reason at all.”
Q: “Do you know what to do if somebody assaults you like that?”
Nikka Gomez
“Call the police and ask for help.”
Erica Bahadur
“We made placards like this and we made posters for the school.”
Q: “Why are you here today?”
Kent Garbutt
“To see that no one hurts the children. Without me my parents would never be good.”
Kalaney Miller
“Child abuse is any form of harm of the children’s body like by physical or by touching the children’s private parts. I came here to see D-Revelation today because it is a wonderful way to show how to stop child abuse in school.”
A well known young rap artist seemed to be speaking for all the children when he gave an inspiring opening address which evoked a strong response from the audience.
Emmit “Dada” Baptist
“Leaders, parents, teachers and friends take a close look around you; take a close look at yourself. Are you providing us with what we need?
If you love, care and respect a child, he/she will love and respect you in return. So we beg of you please nurture us. Shower us with love; respect our rights. Help us to grow respectable and to be responsible citizens. Remember children imitate what they see and learn. Help us to stop this cycle of physical and verbal abuse. No more child labor; no more sexual exploitation and no more neglect.”
And of course it wouldn’t be Children’s Day without the band that always has a positive message for children and youths: D-Revelation Band.
Hyacinth Latchman for News Five.
Among the guests this morning were the Ministers of Education, Housing, and Human Development, Women and Youth.
